‘Things are moving forward’ in Elburn

ELBURN—“Things are moving forward” in Elburn, said Building Commissioner Tom Brennan at Monday’s Committee of the Whole meeting.

The number of new residential building permits for 2013 is at double the number for 2012, with the potential for more before year end. Granted, that number is four for 2013—twice the two from 2012. But the number was stuck at two back to 2010, with only one in 2009.

According to Brennan, that’s going in the right direction. Commercial development has been almost at a standstill since 2008, with only one new commercial permit in 2009, and none since. But that may change soon, as well.

Brennan said that Dunkin’ Donuts may soon be coming to Elburn. The business would be located in front of the Jewel-Osco on Route 47, to the south of the BP Amoco gas station.

Dunkin’ Donuts representatives will soon stand before the Elburn Plan Commission for a special-use permit, because the store will include a drive-through option.

Last but not least, ground was broken for the Anderson Road bridge project on Monday. Village President Dave Anderson said the contractors, Elgin-based Martam Construction and Herlihy Mid-Continent of Romeoville, Ill., indicated it would take 220 working days to complete the construction of the new bridge and roadway, “including the stoplights and everything.”

To put things in perspective, Anderson said there are 900,000 cubic yards of earth that will need to be moved altogether.

The project includes the extension of Anderson Road from Keslinger to Route 38 and construction of a bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks in Elburn.

County officials have said that breaking ground this fall will give it time to freeze and thaw throughout the winter, leaving it ready for construction to begin by spring. They anticipate the project to be completed by late 2014 or early spring 2015.

Once the bridge construction has been completed, work on the Elburn Station development can begin.